Knee conditions

Problematic Knee Replacement

Problematic Knee Replacement

Revision Knee Conditions

knee conditions

A knee replacement should reduce pain and improve function.

If instead you experience ongoing pain, instability, stiffness or swelling, it may indicate a problem that requires specialist assessment.

What?
Assessment
Treatment
FAQs

Problematic Knee Replacement

What can cause a knee replacement to become problematic?

Common reasons include:

  • Loosening of the implant

  • Infection

  • Wear of the plastic insert

  • Soft-tissue imbalance

  • Stiffness or excessive scar tissue

  • Malalignment

  • Patellar tracking issues

  • Alternative sources of pain (e.g. Hip/Spine)

Symptoms you may notice include increasing pain, reduced mobility, difficulty trusting the knee, warmth or swelling, and in some cases a change in leg alignment.

Problematic Knee Replacement

How revision knee problems are assessed

During your consultation, we will review your surgical history, examine the knee and arrange appropriate investigations such as X-rays and blood tests.

If infection is suspected, additional tests may be required.

Complex or unclear cases are discussed with a wider Multidisciplinary team, ensuring that radiology and combined clinical input can contribute to the best treatment plan.

My revision experience at Guy’s and St Thomas’ supports evidence-based decision-making for difficult or unusual cases.

Problematic Knee Replacement

Treatment options

Non-surgical
  • Physiotherapy

  • Bracing

  • Optimisation of gait and strength

  • Pain management

Surgical
  • Insert exchange

  • Partial revision

  • Full revision knee replacement

  • Complex reconstruction for bone loss or infection

Problematic Knee Replacement

FAQs

Does all knee replacement pain mean failure?

No. Many causes are treatable without major surgery.

How is loosening diagnosed?

Usually with X-rays and clinical evaluation; sometimes advanced imaging is needed.

Is revision surgery riskier?

Revision surgery is more complex but can be highly effective when carefully planned.

Does all knee replacement pain mean failure?

No. Many causes are treatable without major surgery.

How is loosening diagnosed?

Usually with X-rays and clinical evaluation; sometimes advanced imaging is needed.

Is revision surgery riskier?

Revision surgery is more complex but can be highly effective when carefully planned.

Does all knee replacement pain mean failure?

No. Many causes are treatable without major surgery.

How is loosening diagnosed?

Usually with X-rays and clinical evaluation; sometimes advanced imaging is needed.

Is revision surgery riskier?

Revision surgery is more complex but can be highly effective when carefully planned.

If you’re having persistent issues with a knee replacement, I can assess the problem, explain the likely causes and guide the most appropriate treatment options.